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How to Discuss Addiction Treatment With Your Employer

Deborah Thomas

How to Discuss Addiction Treatment With Your Employer

Seeking treatment for a substance use disorder is a life-changing decision and for many people in recovery, the choice to get professional help holds the key to getting their life back on track. Nevertheless, addiction treatment is a considerable commitment, especially for those in need of assistance from an inpatient program, which often requires one to spend time away from their loved ones and daily responsibilities, like their career. 

If you’re planning to enter an inpatient rehabilitation program, you may feel hesitant to discuss addiction with your employer or worry about the possibility of losing your job. Opening a dialogue with your boss may seem difficult, but it’s an important step that encourages you to take accountability and advocate for the substance-free life you deserve. In this post, we’ll look at what steps you should take when telling your employer about your plan to seek treatment.

Keep reading to learn more.

3 Things to Do Before You Talk to Your Employer About Addiction

So, you’ve made the transformative decision to get treatment for your drug or alcohol use, but you aren’t sure how to approach the topic with your job. Here are 3 things you should do before bringing your treatment plans to your employer’s attention:

  1. Review Your Company Policies

Before you discuss your treatment decisions with your boss, educate yourself about your employer’s drug and alcohol policy, benefits program, and protocols for taking sick leave. Some companies may provide an Employee Assistance Program, or an EAP, a free and confidential resource to help their employees get treatment for a substance use disorder.  

2. Research Your Rights

One of the biggest concerns of those considering treatment is whether or not they will lose their job. In the United States, there are two types of legislation that may offer protections for those seeking help for their substance use disorder. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) both extend protections to those actively engaged in addiction treatment. Of course, each person’s circumstances are unique and it is imperative to do your own research about whether or not your situation meets the eligibility requirements.

3. Prepare a Plan for Getting Treatment 

The more specific details you can provide about what you will need in the course of treatment can help your employer prepare for your absence. Inpatient and outpatient treatment will require different types of leave so it’s best to explore your treatment options before you open a conversation with your employer. It may also be helpful to do some research about substance use disorders as a medical condition so you are prepared to answer any questions they may have about the recovery process.

How to Talk to Your Employer About Addiction

Schedule a Private Conversation

Discussing your decision to seek treatment is a sensitive topic that shouldn’t be downplayed or rushed through. To ensure the conversation gets the attention it deserves, request a private meeting with your employer, supervisor, HR, or union representative to speak about your decision in detail. You may also want to explicitly request that the topic of your discussion remains confidential and will not be disclosed to others in the company without your consent.

Be Transparent

As the saying goes, honesty is the best policy. Approaching the conversation with a sense of transparency may feel difficult, but it will ultimately serve you better in the long run. Your employer will likely have questions about your decision and how it will impact your work performance, so come prepared to concisely answer these types of inquiries. You may find that practicing a role-play situation beforehand can help you understand what to expect and stay calm and professional as the conversation progresses. 

Address Any Professional Concerns

The reality of addiction is that it can affect every area of your life and if you are planning to get treatment, you may be in a situation where your substance use has already impacted your job. While challenging, it’s important to take accountability for how your work performance has been affected. Show that you are committed to your job and willing to work with your employer to find a solution that meets both of your needs. 

Focus on the Positives

While it’s necessary to be forthcoming and take accountability for your decision to seek treatment, it’s equally as important to communicate the positive impact receiving treatment will have. Of course, it's possible that you may receive a negative response to your decision, but do not let it sway you to change your mind from getting help. Emphasize the importance of your decision and how it will help you improve your decision-making, take ownership of your responsibilities, and become a more effective employee. 

Discuss Potential Solutions

Come prepared with ideas for how your workload can be managed in your absence or how you can modify your responsibilities while you’re receiving treatment. Remember, even if your current job is not able to support your decision, all hope is not lost. Most addiction treatment centers have job assistance resources to help you find employment opportunities after your initial treatment commences. 

For more recovery resources like this, check out these helpful posts from our blog:

At The Walker Center, we specialize in evidence-based addiction treatment and mental health services in Twin Falls and Gooding, Idaho. 

Are you ready to take the first steps on your journey toward a substance-free future?

Get in touch with us today to discuss our treatment options.